Sponsors crucial to success of Alberta Summer Games

The 2023 Alberta Summer Games are grateful for the support of sponsors who have already stepped up but are hopeful that more will jump on board as the provincial sporting spectacle draws near. 

The Games, which have received financial support from the Town of Okotoks and the provincial government, are also looking to the business community to provide monetary, in-kind and at-cost donations as preparations for the mini-Olympics intensify on a variety of fronts. 

“It’s been awesome to see so many companies throw their support behind the Games, but there’s room for many more,” said Games manager Marica Borovich-Law. “These companies really believe in community and believe in what we’re doing, so we couldn’t be more pleased to have them.” 

Blair Gordon's Century 21 Foothills is one of those local businesses that has stepped up to support the Summer Games. 

“You can’t do it all, but you can do your part,” said Gordon. “I think the sooner people get on board to lend their support, the better. And it’s not just monetary as they need a lot of volunteers too.” 

With 50 realtors in southern Alberta, Gordon said it’s important to sponsor events throughout the area, evidenced by the company’s 12 Months of Giving campaign that runs annually. 

Century 21’s sponsorship will be used to entertain athletes back at their dorms after they’ve finished competing for the day. Borovich-Law said that could be everything from purchasing board games to providing internet access. 

“This is home away from home for the kids, and since Century 21 is in the home business, we thought it was a good fit to have their sponsorship involve the athletes’ villages,” said Borovich-Law. 

Gordon said Century 21 employees will also be volunteering during the Games. 

Stacey Wolfe, the dealer/owner of Home Hardware Okotoks along with husband Ryan, was quick to jump on board to help the Summer Games. 

“We think it’s very important to sponsor community events and help them out in whatever way we can,” said Wolfe, whose Stockton Avenue store has provided Games officials with an account so they can get items as needed. 

“They can come in and get whatever they need to get the Games up and going,” she said. “We’re also trying to get them the best prices we can on product and trying to get some of our suppliers to come up with things they might need in sponsorship as well. Safety companies that we buy from are interested in helping them out with things like pylons and safety vests that they’ll need for the volunteers.” 

Saying she thinks it’s important to support kids in sports, Wolfe said it would be great if others in the community can get behind the Summer Games as much as they can. 

“Hopefully everyone can help out in their own way, whether that’s volunteering or donations, to support all these people that have taken on this initiative,” said Wolfe. “It's a big task.” 

Borovich-Law said sponsorships can take many forms, from cash to in-kind donations, and can include everything from food and fuel to portable equipment like tents and forklifts. She said there are countless ways for sponsors to get involved. 

Complete with a torch celebration, opening ceremonies and athletes’ villages, the Summer Games will see over 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials from throughout Alberta descend on Okotoks and Black Diamond from July 20 to 23.  

Fourteen sports are being contested at the Games that will see teams and individual competitors come from eight zones across Alberta to compete for provincial bragging rights. 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, visit 2023asg.com/sponsor.